Premier Cricket 2020-21: Four in a row sets up crunch-game for Fitzroy-Doncaster

Fitzroy-Doncaster began the Premier season 0-3 but a run of four consecutive wins has set it up for an all-important Australia Day clash, as the Lions eye a spot in the top eight.

Liam Banthorpe starred in partnership with Liam Smith on the weekend. Picture: Valeriu Campan

It’s been quite the season turnaround for Fitzroy-Doncaster.

The Premier outfit recorded its fourth consecutive win on the weekend, this time with a 76-run demolishing of Frankston Peninsula, knocking them over for 155 after batting first and recording 7/231.

The Lions began the season 0-3 and started its run in Round 4 just ahead of the Christmas break, snapping its losing streak against the Camberwell Magpies.

They’ve since also claimed the scalps of Ringwood and Footscray to sit in ninth position.

Fitzroy-Doncaster captain Ejaaz Alavi produced another strong showing on the weekend, knocking 52 not-out off 51 balls to go with a bowling effort of 3/28, while Liam Smith top-scored for his side with 56.

Alavi praised his side’s recovery from losing early wickets, with the dismissals of Lakshmn Shivakumar (2), Noah Korkolis (14) and Jack Rudd (25) inside the first 15 overs.

Opening batsman Jack Rudd in action. Picture: Valeriu Campan

“From 3/46, we did really well to scrape our way to 231,” he said.

“It was just a really good team performance and Liam Banthorpe (41) and Smith led the way with a (97-run) partnership … with the ball it was just a really good team effort again.

“To get four on the trot now, it’s put us in a good position.”

The captain said the win over the Camberwell Magpies built his side’s confidence ahead of the break and pointed to subsequent standout performances of opening batsman Jack Rudd, scoring 69 against the Rams and 122 not-out against Footscray.

“The Camberwell game just before Christmas was really important for us to get the season going,” Alavi said.

“We were able to come out after and play some really good cricket against some good sides. There’s been some really strong performances from everyone.

“We think he (Rudd) can play at the next level, we think he’s a serious cricketer and we’re hoping he gets that opportunity as well.”

The weekend’s victory sets up an all-important Australia Day clash with Melbourne University which currently sits in fourth position as the Lions look to break into the top-eight. Fifth to ninth on the Premier ladder are all currently locked on four wins apiece.

“We’ve just got to keep the momentum going now,” Alavi said.

“We think we’re coming in confident and playing good cricket, and we know Melbourne Uni’s a really strong side so we’re looking forward to the opportunity.

“There’s still a lot of cricket to be played and we take each game as it comes, but tomorrow’s as big a game as we’ve had all season.”